3 Steps to Safely Sharing the Road with Cyclists

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout Los Angeles, Cameron Yadidi Brock and his team at the Law Offices of Burg & Brock have earned a reputation for offering life-changing legal counsel to those who have suffered in automobile collisions. As an avid motorcyclist, Mr. Brock is particularly attuned to the dangers faced by cyclists on busy L.A. roads. That's why he is pleased that this month, regulations are taking effect throughout California that require drivers to stay at least three feet from cyclists while passing. The Los Angeles Times reports that drivers who don't respect the buffer zone could face a fine of $35 – and if the negligence leads to a collision, the fee could increase to $220.

For bicyclists and auto drivers alike, it's a positive step toward providing a safer and friendlier environment. However, any time a new law or restriction is implemented, some level of concern and confusion is to be expected. That's why Mr. Brock has outlined these 3 steps to ensure responsible and safe driving:

1. Be Reasonable and Prudent – As any L.A. driver is well aware, the distance between vehicles during rush hour is often much less than what one would hope. In some cases, leaving three feet of space would actually prove impossible. In cases where traffic is too heavy to change lanes or if other conditions make the three-foot buffer impossible, the law states that drivers must slow to a "reasonable and prudent" speed until the cyclist has safely passed. In other words, take it easy!
2. Manage Uncertainty on the Road – While the three-foot rule is simple enough on paper, highway driving often involves significantly more ambiguity. That's why, to ensure the safety of every driver and cyclist, motorists should always err on the side of caution. When possible, auto drivers should give more space than necessary to cyclists who are usually in a far riskier position than traditional drivers.
3. Be Aware of Rules of the Road for Cyclists – Often times, when bicycle collisions occur, it's not due to carelessness, but because many drivers are so preoccupied looking out for other drivers that they never thought to watch out for cyclists. However, bicycles and motorcycles alike have the same right to travel on L.A. roads as automobile drivers. By familiarizing yourself with the rules of the road for cyclists, you'll be much more likely to keep them in mind when driving through the city.

Though the new bicycle buffer zone should be a welcome help, it's inevitable that in some collisions will still occasionally occur. Fortunately, L.A. residents can take heart in knowing that Cameron Yadidi Brock and his team at the Law Offices of Burg & Brock, Inc. are always on hand to provide expert legal counsel. You can learn more about Mr. Brock's success as a motorcycle attorney at this page. Furthermore, if you or a loved one has suffered from a bicycle collision or any number of personal injury issues due to the negligence of another, don't hesitate to contact Mr. Brock and his team at 888-509-2998 or on the web at www.legaldefenders.com. Free initial consultations are available.

PR submitted by Cyberset.com

SOURCE The Law Offices of Burg & Brock, Inc.